ANN ARBOR, Mich. GREENSBORO, N.C., and IRVING, Texas – National Express School team members have once again demonstrated their dedication to cultivating and perfecting their craft through their latest participation in Thomas Bus Institute’s three-day advanced training sessions for both electric and standard school buses.

Team members in Ann Arbor, MI, participated in a three-day advanced level (HV3) electric school bus training session taught by Thomas Built. The advanced training session is the final and most advanced level of electric training provided by Thomas Built and focuses specifically on high-voltage processes and tests such as insulation integrity and high voltage ground resistance and de-energizing the battery electric vehicle (BEV).

Prior to advancing to the final level of training, team members are required to complete two other training sessions – level one (HV1), which focused on familiarizing technicians with the features of electric vehicles and illustrating the differences between maintaining and owning an electric vehicle (EV) fleet vs. a standard school bus fleet, and level two (HV2), which trained technicians on low and high-voltage systems with an extra emphasis on safety processes.

In addition to EV school bus training, advanced training sessions for standard school buses took place in two locations – Greensboro, NC and Irving, TX. At the training sessions, participants received hands-on training focused on advanced diagnostics on different engine platforms, advanced electronics, and other bus components.

Eleven technicians attended the training sessions that covered the following topics:

Advanced Electrical Skills
Advanced Multiplex Systems
Air Conditioning
Coolant Class
Detroit and Cummins Engine and Aftertreatment
Electrical Charging systems
Electronic Resources
Introducing Electric Thomas Bus Familiarization
Seating Systems
Wheelchair Lifts
Type C Conventional reviews the multiplex electrical system, troubleshooting information, and software available.

“We understand the importance of continuously providing our teams with training opportunities to help them flourish in their craft and expertise,” said Wayne Skinner, Senior Vice President of Maintenance, National Express. “The trainings also help ensure that our technicians possess the necessary and most up-to-date skills to maintain our fleet at the highest standards while also increasing engagement and productivity. We will continue developing our relationships with our original equipment manufacturer and electric vehicle partners so that we can ensure our technicians are always performing at their best and able to reach and further advance their potential, and ultimately, their careers.”

About National Express:
National Express LLC (NELLC) is the North American subsidiary of Mobico Group, one of the premier global mobility firms. We operate across 34 states and two provinces. Our organizations share a strong commitment to provide the highest level of safety, quality, outstanding customer service and positive employee relations. National Express School (NEXS) operates more than 15,590 school buses, serves more than 429 school districts and contracts in 30 states and two provinces, and transports more than 1.3 million students on a daily basis.

The post National Express School Technicians Advance Skills Through Thomas Built Training for EV and Standard School Buses appeared first on School Transportation News.

TULSA, Okla. – National Express School maintenance team members recently participated in IC Bus University’s three-day Level Two Advanced Training.

Team members participated in IC Bus University’s three-day training in Tulsa. They received hands-on training on advanced diagnostics for various engine platforms, electronics, and bus components from several vendors. Trainings were led by representatives from each vendor and included topics such as:

International Gasoline Engine Diagnostics

International Diesel Engine Training and Diagnostics

Cummins Diesel Engine and Diagnostics

Advanced Electrical and Diagnostics

Trans/Air HVAC System Diagnostics

Mitsubishi Starter and Alternator Systems and Diagnostics

BraunAbility Wheelchair Lift Diagnostics

IC Bus Electric Vehicle Overview

As part of the training program, participants were also given a tour of IC Bus’ assembly plants for their standard and electric school buses and learned about the assembly process.

On the last day of training, a “Skills Competition Event” was held to test participants on their maintenance skills and knowledge. The competition required participants to inspect and find faulty issues on five buses using proper diagnostic tools and procedures while also adhering to safety protocols. Topics included Cummins, PSI Propane, Air Conditioning, Advanced Electrical, and Braun lift. Additionally, two of the five bus assessments were timed.

“Our training strategy for our team members includes not only hundreds of videos and courses available through our Maintenance University platform, but we also host hands-on and instructor-led training events throughout the year to ensure that our techs receive the most up to date training available,” said Wayne Skinner, Senior Vice President of Maintenance, National Express. “Our teams are the best-of-the-best in the industry, and I am proud to work with such an admirable, skillful team of experts who profusely give it their all to ensure students are safe.”

About National Express:
National Express LLC (NELLC) is the North American subsidiary of Mobico Group, one of the premier global mobility firms. We operate across 34 states and two provinces. Our organizations share a strong commitment to provide the highest level of safety, quality, outstanding customer service and positive employee relations. National Express School (NEXS) operates more than 15,590 school buses, serves more than 429 school districts and contracts in 30 states and two provinces, and transports more than 1.3 million students on a daily basis.

The post National Express School Maintenance Team Members Level Up Expertise Through IC Bus University appeared first on School Transportation News.

NEW ORLEANS, La. – A&S Transportation is pleased to share that its school district partner, New Orleans Charter Science & Mathematics High School (Sci High), has been awarded $3.1 million in grant funds by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program (CSBP) to electrify their school bus fleet. With support from electric vehicle (EV) partner, Highland Electric Fleets, and A&S Transportation, the school district will electrify their entire nine vehicle fleet to become 100% electric.

This electrification effort will be Sci High’s first big-scale venture into sustainability and marks their inauguration as a sustainability leader in their community. With this new award, A&S Transportation is also proud to tout its own position as a sustainability leader not only on a national level but also locally in NOLA where its customer service center has taken the initiative to outfit its entire roof with solar panels.

“We are excited to be among the first in our community to transition to an electrified fleet of buses,” said Monique G. Cola, Ph.D., Head of School, New Orleans Charter Science & Mathematics High School. As a STEM school, we at Sci High believe it is our responsibility to lead the effort in bringing a cleaner, GREENER option to our community. We recognize the impact that the toxic fumes of diesel fuel has on the health of our students and greater community. We see this move to EV-buses as one positive step in improving the environment in which we live. At Sci High, we want to #bethecatalyst (our theme for the school year) for positive change in our community.”

“We are delighted to add another NOLA school district partner to our roster of successful EPA grant recipients. These nine new EVs for Sci High will join the 32 that are currently in the works for Charter Schools in New Orleans from the second round of the EPA grants,” said Brian Craig, New Vehicle Director, North America, National Express. “The context of this award for Sci High is particularly exciting because it will allow the school to electrify their entire fleet and gain recognition as a new sustainability leader in their community. We are excited to embark on this new journey together with Sci High and Highland Electric Fleets to work together in creating a safer, healthier environment for our students.”

About National Express:
National Express LLC (NELLC) is the North American subsidiary of Mobico Group, one of the premier global mobility firms. We operate across 34 states and two provinces. Our organizations share a strong commitment to provide the highest level of safety, quality, outstanding customer service and positive employee relations. National Express School (NEXS) operates more than 15,590 school buses, serves more than 429 school districts and contracts in 30 states and two provinces, and transports more than 1.3 million students on a daily basis. NELLC’s headquarters is located in Lisle, Illinois. Our 290+ local customer service centers (CSCs) are supported by regional operations teams located throughout North America.

About Highland Electric Fleets:
Highland Electric Fleets is the leading provider of electrification-as-a-service for school districts, governments, and fleet operators in North America. Founded in 2019, Highland offers a unique suite of products that make it simple and affordable to upgrade to electric fleets today. Active in 30 states and Canada, Highland is responsible for the first use of electric school buses in a commercial vehicle-to-grid (V2G) program and the largest electric school bus project in the United States to date. To learn more, visit www.highlandfleets.com.

The post New Orleans Charter Science & Mathematics High School Becomes the First in Community to Transition to EV School Buses appeared first on School Transportation News.